When God crowns your merits, He is not crowning anything but His own gifts.
From 1 Peter 4:8-10: “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
Cherishing small towns
America’s gift
Community pride
Life never adrift
Welcoming Main Street
Absent traffic lights
Community hub
Unique stores excite
People greet with “hello”
Strangers become friends
Community loves
Caring’s dividends
Close-knit neighborhoods
Immaculate yards
Community joy
Beauty fills postcards
Town’s crowning jewel
School engages minds
Community guides
Students’ daily grind
White wood-framed churches
God’s daily footprint
Community prays
Town’s faithful blueprint
Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful of your life.
If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.
Samuel Clemens (1835-1910), better know by his pen name of Mark Twain, is often recognized as one of America’s greatest humorists. Novelist and writer William Faulkner called him the “father of American literature.” While he was in California in 1865, his literary skills struck gold with the story of “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.”
From Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
On our way—
Following
Son of God,
Jesus Christ
On our way—
Witnessing
Faithful hope,
Filled with Christ
On our way—
Confronting
Day’s darkness,
Buoyed by Christ
On our way—
Restoring
Shattered lives,
Praising Christ
On our way—
Quieting
Stormy seas,
Christ as work
On our way—
Conquering
Evil’s foe,
Christ with us
On our way—
Redeeming
Wayward souls,
Christ’s love saves
On our way—
Proclaiming
Thankful hearts,
Blessed Christ
On our way—
Rejoicing
Forever,
Within Christ
From Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”
The inspiration for this poem comes from the hymn, “On Our Way, Rejoicing.” Here are the lyrics and music of this beloved song.
We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm. He wants us to find Him in the midst of it first.
From Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.”
Beth Moore (born 1957) is an American Christian evangelist, author, and teacher.
All of these morning photographs were taken at two different Metro Parks (Walnut Woods and Chestnut Ridge) in central Ohio, not far from my home. I frequently walk both of these areas.
Morning awakens
Creation’s treasures stirring—
Lord above smiling
Season to season
Witnessing every change—
Praise God’s masterpiece
Nature never rests
Flora and fauna’s beauty—
Creator molding
Where flowers bloom so does hope.
My heart found its home long ago in the beauty, mystery, order and disorder of the flowering earth.
Claudia Alta Johnson (1912-2007), better know as Lady Bird Johnson, was a former United States first lady from 1963-1969, while her husband Lyndon served as President.
From Lamentations 3:25-26: “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the Salvation of the Lord.”
Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com
We are an impatient lot
We know what we want
We want it right now
God’s Word brings us wisdom
Try following a different path
Remain patient at all times
Allow God to be in charge
His faithful plans will unfold
Offer our prayers to God
Give thanks for our blessings
Remain ever hopeful each day
Wait faithfully with quiet reverence
For the Lord delivers Salvation
God allows us free will
How will we use it?
From Philippians 4:8: “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Infuse quality into our lives
In our attitudes and thoughts
Guard our actions and words
Influence our daily course
Adjust our tone of thoughts
Jesus taught us to believe
“Blessed are the pure in heart
For they will see God”
Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com
From the words of evangelical pastor Henry Blackaby: “God is concerned about your life in Eternity. Allow Him to take all the time He needs to shape you for His purposes.”
Where liberty dwells, there is my country.
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a Founding Father of the United States. He served his nation as a prominent statesman and effective diplomat.
From Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Retelling His story
Filling with wonder’s peace
Becoming never old
Rekindling life’s new lease
Witnessing His message
Loving God with whole heart
Grasping forever’s grace
Walking with Lord’s fresh start
Retelling His story
Sitting near empty tomb
Sharing Salvation’s news
Lighting yesterday’s gloom
Tasting His Holy Word
Longing for heaven’s home
Hungering for much more
Breaking chains, free to roam
Retelling His story
Finding Jesus nearby
Seeking new mercy’s grace
Cherishing faith’s bullseye
This inspiration for this poem comes from the beloved hymn, “I Love to Tell the Story.” One of any believers most blessed tasks is to share and tell the story of Jesus Christ. Country singer Alan Jackson is a renowned Gospel singer, and he sings this wonderful hymn. Enjoy.
Big Sky Buckeye 